My very good friend is getting married next year at Divi Aruba. I've never been and know next to nothing except I've heard it has nice beaches.

Should I stay there? Seems kind of pricey. Any advice on where to stay, things to see/do would be much appreciated. We'll be staying at least a few nights, most likely.

Anyone? Bueller?

I can't speak to that property specifically, but Aruba is very safe and if there are any neighboring hotels within walking distance that you think are a better deal go ahead and take them.

It looks like that hotel is between the west palm beach resort area (the main tourist areas where I stayed) and downtown, and I did not go to that area at all. It still looks like there are a number of hotels right around there so maybe go to tripadvisor and pick whichever one you think is best based on the price/value you are looking for? There are taxis but I only got one from the airport to my hotel and then back from my hotel to the airport, so not sure how easy they are to get if you stay farther than walking distance away. As far as I remember they were common on the island.

I don't have any great recommendations on what to do while there. Enjoy the beach during the day, and the casinos at night, that is what I did. They do have some tours and stuff but the island itself is not that scenic outside of the resorts/beaches. The island is mainly just honeymooners and/or couples on a romantic getaway, but there can be a little bit of nightlife as well depending on what your are looking for, not any huge clubs or anything as far as I know, just a senor frogs (I'm pretty sure that was Carlos n Charlies when I was there and the same place, not sure how it is now) and a couple other bars outside of the casinos.

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

Go to redweek.com and look to rent a timeshare. You can probably save some good dollars (probably/most likely). The first year I went to aruba I stayed in the Marriot Resort and Stellaris Casino hotel which I booked thru priceline name your own price. We thought we got a good deal until somebody told us in the poker room nonetheless (lol) to look for a timeshare to rent. The following year we booked a freaking awesome 2 bedroom timeshare in Marriot Surf club for less money than we paid thru priceline for a studio with no view in their hotel (2 bedroom had pool view). It blew our previous years accommodations away (you don't even want to know what prices I was seeing on kayak, tripadvisor and such). Next year got even luckier stayed in Costa Linda in a 1 bedroom with oceanfront view and a 4 seat jacuzzi on the freaking balcony! (paid even less than the year before for a 2 bedroom but this one was oceanfront with jacuzzi). If you can get a group of like 4 to stay in one timeshare than you will save even more.

P.S ignore this advice if you decide to stay in some 3 star hotel. Also maybe look at Divi Phoenix for a timeshare since the wedding is at the Divi Aruba. GL.

Awesome, thx.

Thanks a ton for the redweek rec. Looking like I'm def going to go that route. Aruba looks great, but pricey.

So, my friends are trying to talk me into staying at the Divi because it's all-inclusive. I do love to eat and drink, does this argument hold much weight? Is food/drink that expensive there? FTR: rooms are ~4-500/night.

What stakes and games are spread at Aruba casinos outside of poker series? Which casinos have poker?

The Holiday inn is popular. They usually have 1 or 2 2/5s at night. They also spread 2/4 limit . Nothing during the day

Meals are generally expensive in Aruba.

That seems to be the consensus. Looks like I'll be staying at the Divi.

Any other info greatly appreciated.

anyone know when blackjack starts during the day?

How hot does it get there? Wedding is in Nov. Ceremony is on the beach, and the couple has us in long sleeve shirts, dress pants, and vests.

look at wikipedia

Thanks for the tip.

The countdown has begun....

thinking of going

Twas nice, but hot as hell. I'm not a huge beach guy, so I wasn't in love with it. Not much else to do. We did hit the casino right next door a couple times. Besides that, stayed at the resort. The water was great, though. Clear, warm, etc.

For the money, there are better options iyam. YMMV.